Win a break for 2 in Vaughan Lodge

Vaughan Lodge, Lahinch, Co ClareThis month you have the opportunity to win a short break for two people in Michael and Maria Vaughan's Award Winning Vaughan Lodge Hotel in Lahinch, Co Clare

Purpose-built to high specifications, mainly with the comfort of golfers in mind - Vaughan Lodge offers peace and relaxation within easy walking distance of the town centre. They see it as a 'designer country house hotel' and that is a fair description, especially given their own hospitality, which is a combination of genuine warmth and professional expertise.

Pleasing contemporary design combines with quality materials and a great sense of space in large, clean-lined bedrooms (22) and public areas - including a clubby bar with leather easy chairs and sofas which golfers, in particular, are sure to enjoy; the decor is low key and the ambience throughout is that of a comfortable gentleman's club.

Michael cooks breakfast for guests himself, and the timing for this is interesting (and could be taken up by others): "come down when you're up"!

Vaughan Lodge, Lahinch, Co ClareRestaurant Lahinch at Vaughan Lodge is run as a stand-alone restaurant specialising in seafood that seats 60 people, this is a large, spacious room and dark polished wood tables, crisp linen runners and elegant table settings set the tone for some fine cooking.

Head chef, Daniel O'Brien, who took on the kitchen in 2012, is the latest in a succession of talented chefs at this excellent restaurant - and, as is the custom here, his menus are refreshingly to the point and written in clear, accurate English.

Interesting artisan foods from area also feature strongly, some of them from named producers, and valued suppliers are listed on the menu.

Ingredients are used in a creative modern style, with key starters based on local seafood, notably Liscannor crab claws, and St Tola goat cheese. Main courses also offer a lot of local fish, delicious Burren lamb and perhaps Skeaghanore duck from West Cork; foraged ingredients may feature in season too - as in whole Dover Sole with samphire.

The dinner menu offers less choice (and a lower proportion of seafood), but it is very good value and includes a well chosen local cheese selection. The aim is to offer a balance between fine dining and popular local choices, attracting a good mix of residents and local diners.

Quality food plus excellent service and hospitality (Michael Vaughan is an attentive and charming host), have made this one of the area's most highly regarded restaurants - and a favourite destination for many.

The lucky winner of this free competition will have a short break for two people (subject to availability), to include:

•  2 nights accommodation
•  full Irish breakfast on both mornings
•  dinner for two people on one night

Read more about Vaughan Lodge on their website.

To enter the competition simply tick the answers to the questions below (you must be a member, click here to join, it's free):


Question 1. In which county is Ballymaloe House Hotel located?
Co Mayo
Co Cork
Co Dublin

Question 2. What is the approximate drive time from Cork city to Ballymaloe?
1 hour
2 hours
30 minutes

Question 3. How does Ballymaloe House Hotel describe the ethos of their restaurant?
Farm-to-fork
Tide-to-Table
Nose to-Tail
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